"A noble man compares and estimates himself by an idea which is higher than himself; and a mean man, by one lower than himself. The one produces aspiration; the other ambition, which is the way in which a vulgar man aspires"

This quote by Marcus Aurelius speaks with the concept of self-reflection and comparison. A worthy man is one who wants to a greater ideal than himself and utilizes it as a procedure of his own worth. This results in goal, a desire to become better and reach a higher level. On the other hand, a mean man aims to a lower perfect than himself and utilizes it as a step of his own worth. This results in aspiration, a desire to progress and reach a greater level, but in a more self-centered and self-serving way. This aspiration is the way in which a repulsive man aspires, as it is rooted in a desire for power and recognition instead of a desire to become a better person. This quote speaks with the importance of wanting to greater perfects and utilizing them as a measure of our own worth, instead of wanting to lower ideals and utilizing them as a step of our own worth.